Nuggets vs. Lakers Live Blog

My bad, dude. We did it at the same time. Disregard mine.

It's cool, I deleted yours. We are seconds away from tipoff in LA.

Can the Nuggets tighten up their D or will it burn them as it has done in the past, We're under way!

Nuggets win the tip to start it. And Kenyon Martin is blocked by Lamar Odom to start things off!

Bryant misses the pull up, Odom saves it, Bryant with the circus shot!!! No good, Gasol has it stripped, Odom loses it, foul on the Lakers.

Foul on Lamar Odom after a wild possession on the Lakers, Scary what happened to the Nuggets on the way here.

Offensive foul on K-MART.

Pau Gasol opens the scoring for LA. Carmelo Anthony responds.

Vladimir Radmanovic with the basket inside...and then Carmelo Anthony put the Nuggets on the board.

Derek Fisher left all alone for three and drills it!

Kobe with the basket as he gets around Martin and then Denver turns it over on the other end.

AS expected, a quick start to this game, Lakers up 7-4. This is the first game for the Lakers against the Nuggets (vice versa) with Pau Gasol playing.

Martin on Bryant?? Makes no sense.

And Vladimir Radmanovic gets his 2nd foul...and AI just flopped. Luke Walton is in.

Vlas with two early fouls!!! In come Luke Walton.

What a block by Camby!! Carmelo with a J on the other end.

Magic vs. Raptors is final! 114-100 Magic take game 1.

Kobe has it stripped by Camby after another Nugget TO.

Kobe with an offensive foul!

Offensive foul on Kobe Bryant, tons of whistles within the first 3:30 of the game. 9-6 Lakers.

Be back in 5 minutes.

Carter knocks it out of bounds as Iverson attempts to flop again.

Odom with a great touch pass for Gasol for the dunk!!

Iverson draws a foul getting to the lane.

He misses the first...makes the 2nd.

Odom knocks it off Carmelo out of bounds!

Shot Clock Violation, Good D by Kenyon Martin on that play!

Iverson with a fadeaway jumper to cut the lead. On the other end, Lamar Odom responds!!

The Lakers are moving the ball effortlessly and are breaking the Nuggets down defensively. Timeout Denver! It is the Lakers 15, Nuggets 9 on the Live Blog Network!

Denver is getting absolutely ripped apart by the Lakers unselfish play, Camby and Martin cannot handle the big men, Gasol and Odom continue to dominate the paint. 15-9 Lake Show

What the heck was that, they just cut the broadcast off!

George Karl must have talked with Stan Van Gundy about wrestling.

Not for me DRE.

Now they just brought it back, It is a 17-11 Laker Lead. Walton scores!

If the broadcast is back on, I'd think it would be easier that you do the play by play and side analysis and I'll give my observations during timeouts.

Camby stepped out of bounds, Back to the Lakers. Gasol with Great D that time.

Good idea, because this game is fast-paced.

Iverson with a great pass to Camby for the two-handed slam!

And Bryant with a great pass to Gasol with a slam!! The Lakers are up by 10 and Kobe only has 2 points. Denver will shoot FTS when we return!

Denver is really struggling inside, Gasol is just way too tall for Camby and Martin.

I really like how Bryant is getting everyone involved...which means when he takes over the Nuggets will be in trouble.

Denver is really sloppy, not shooting well, and LA is hustling more to get the offensive rebounds and subsequent 2nd chance points.

George Karl has to do something in the 2nd quarter to turn this around before it gets ugly.

Denver is not disciplined defensively and with the Lakers running Phil's Triangle offense to perfection, they're in trouble. It's hard for a good Defensive team to handle Phil jackson's offense when it's run right.

Camby to the line.... He misses the 1st...and the 2nd!

Anthony draws a foul on the post-up.

Carmelo nails the 1st....Nuggets have to keep this in single-digits..and the 2nd.

Gasol missed the 16 footer..

AI gets to the lane and is fouled and will shoot FTs.

He misses the 1st....and makes the 2nd.

Odom misses the easy lay-up as Camby affects the shot. Nuggets ball.

Nuggets playing zone defense, but they are not good on transition defense in this quarter, and Farmar drills the triple.

Jordon Farmer with a WIDE-OPEN 3. No Nugget steps out at all!!! Iverson responds on the other end to cut the lead to 8.

Iverson with great hustle upcourt to follow up that miss.

Carmelo hustling down the court for an easy-layup as the Lakers a little slow in transistion. Kobe misses the HC shot, Denver finishing strong. End of the 1st in Los Angeles. It is a 26-22 Laker Lead on the Live Blog Network.

Very good run to end the quarter by Denver. Let's see if George Karl continues the zone defense.

For the Lakers, will they try and get Kobe Bryant more involved scoring or will he supply the other Lakers?

2nd quarter we'll find out.

Kobe will probably be more involved. But I think the Lakers possessions are sharp, shots just did not fall at the end of the quarter. So I don't know if they need to tweak too much.

J.R Smith with a basket and a foul , He has had a great run at the end of the reg season, X factor for this team, The lead is now 1!

Sasha with a J! And then off the Nugget Turnover, Turiaf is fouled on the lay-up attempt and will shoot 2.

Turiaf nails the 1st..and the 2nd. A 5 pt Laker Lead.

J.R Smith with a slam and he has 5 quick pts.

I'll say this, the zone seems to be affecting the Lakers offense.

Great D by K-Mart as he takes it away, And Iverson draws the foul on the other end. Much better D from the Nuggets in this quarter so far,

Nuggets really have to stop going for the steal all the time. Bryant is really struggling, but the Lakers are still on top.

Iverson nails the 2nd and the Nuggets are within 2. Turiaf with the offensive board and is fouled. 1-8 so far for Bryant.

KLEIZA with a THREE and the Nuggets have the lead!!

The Lakers really need Pau Gasol back. Turiaf is playing terribly and is missing the easy buckets. The zone defense is working well for Denver, and now they've opened up a 4 point lead.

ANOTHER TREY FOR KLEIZA!!! GOOD BALL MOVEMENT AS WELL! Lakers take a timeout. A 4 PT Nugget Lead as J.R Smith and Kleiza have sparked this team, Back in a moment.

Lakers offense looks lethargic right now.

Nuggets are contesting shots now and are active on D. KLEIZA AGAIN!

Sasha with a trey in the corner!!! And then, who else IT'S KLEIZA!! 10 straight.

The Lakers are struggling and Phil has to find a way to improvise because they are horrible with Denver's zone defense.

J.R SMITH WITH A BASKET AND A FOUL!! IT'S BEEN THE KLEIZA AND J.R SMITH SHOW HERE IN THE 2ND. Foul is on Kobe, who has 2 fouls now and is 1 for 9 from the field. Nuggets by 8!

Gasol draws a foul in the interior. He needs to step up now. 2 FTS FOR PAU.

Gasol nails the 1st..and the 2nd. Lead is 6.

Luke Walton misses the trey in the corner...and J.R Smith again!!!!

Kenyon Martin scores in the post, Where has the Lakers D gone?

Luke with a trey!!

Anthony Carter around Kobe who cannot foul and he is frustrated! Foul on the Nuggets on the other end.

It is a 47-40 Denver lead on the Live Blog Network!

It's still the first half folks, but I'm impressed with Denver.

The zone is forcing the Lakers to settle for the outside shot with the occasional easy bucket by Gasol.

Denver is doing a good job in keeping Bryant out of the game and Kenyon Martin on Kobe looks to be a good idea DRE.

But the 2nd half is usually when Bryant takes over so don't worry.

You're right about that, SS. Kenyon is handling Kobe but he also is getting active help D as well. Kleiza and J.R Smith have stepped up and this will take pressure off Carmelo and AI on offense and help them focus on D.

Walton with a bucket off the off board and the lead is 4.

Kobe Bryant with a J, the lead is now 2!! But Carmelo responds on the other end!

Odom with a catch and slam!! He has 6.

Fisher with a missed trey and it goes over the top. AI checks back in.

Lakers are mounting a nice comeback, and they are within 2, forcing Carmelo to take tough shots.

Odom draws the foul on Carmelo, When Odom gets aggressive, it only helps his team out. 2 shots for Odom..Misses the 1st...and makes the 2nd.

Uh oh, 3 fouls on Kobe.

AI draws a foul on KOBE!! 3 FOULS NOW ON KOBE BRYANT! It is a 2 point Nugget lead, I think that call is questionable. Back in a moment.

I have to say this is quite an entertaining game although we haven't seen the scoreboard break as we thought.

Twists and turns. Who will step up for the Lakers now that Kobe is in foul trouble?? One would think Pau would.

Wow, Phil Jackson is leaving Kobe in.

AI misses, and Kobe is still in the game... 1 of 2 for AI. 2 PT GAME.

Gasol to Walton!

GASOL GAVES THE LAKERS THE LEAD!

Off the steal, It's Odom to Gasol!!! What a half for Gasol!! But AI with a three in the corner.

Mark Jackson: Allen Iverson, arguably, pound for pound, the greatest player in NBA history.

...

Gasol with 18 points, and he has sparked this Laker team!

Mark and Jeff Van Gundy are about to go fistacuffs. Iverson makes 1 of 2.

Odom with the off.board and putback!

Mike Breen: I'm surrounded by idiots (referring to Jackson and Van Gundy) Burrn.

Now the fireworks come on! Entertaining first half, and the Lakers take a 56-55 advantage at halftime.

DRE, get a load of this.

GREAT D BY THE LAKERS AT THE END OF THE HALF. And despite the struggles of Bryant, Pau Gasol has paced the Lakers with 18 points. 58-56 Lakers at the half. It is time for the ArmchairGM Halftime Report. 1st half analysis, breakdown and we'll judge whether Mark Jackson's words were taken out of context or not.

My computer had a hard time loading this video, but this guy makes Joe Buck sound like Gus Johnson.

SS, Thoughts on the first half?

Mark Jackson's words were taken out of context by Van Gundy. As for me, I took it for every meaning, and Jackson is crazy.

I'll say this, Iverson may be the greatest individual player that 6"0 or shorter.

First off, the Lakers I think have found a way to get past the zone defense of the Denver Nuggets.

A hidden stat in this game is the 9-16 free throw shooting by Denver, including 3 misses by the usually spot on Allen Iverson.

Kobe Bryant is really struggling, in foul trouble, and yet they are winning. If this was 2 years ago the Lakers would be down by double digits by now.

Pau Gasol is unstoppable, he is running over the Nuggets like you wouldn't believe. Lamar Odom has been vital in the Lakers' 2nd chance points, when you consider how many offensive rebounds he has had. He works well with Gasol and has improved greatly from last season.

The key for Denver is to stop turning the ball over, hit some free throws, but most importantly, take away the paint from Los Angeles. I think over half of the Laker points have come from the paint that's unacceptable. Perhaps a double team on Gasol or Odom would work especially since they know Bryant is struggling.

I've got to eat in a few minutes so don't be surprised if you don't see me midway into the 3rd.

One can almost expect Kobe to step up in the second half, but the Nuggets don't seem to have an answer for Pau Gasol.

Nuggets are getting to the line, but not making foul shots. That will come to bite them and I believe Iverson missed about 4 of his own.

Statboy for ESPN thinks the Nuggets have hit 9-11 from the line instead of 9-16.

3rd quarter under way. Gasol draws an early foul on Camby, his 1st.

2 fts for Pau, He has 20.

Uh oh, now Carmelo has 3 fouls.

Bryant misses and continues to struggle! Offensive foul on Carmelo.

Carmelo does well to avoid a charge and scores to cut the lead to 2.

Gasol follows!

Odom is dominating the off glass! Shame on Camby! A hard foul on Kobe Bryant off the steal!

Lamar Odom is a machine.

And a T on Anthony Carter.

T on Anthony Carter, Kobe makes the technical foul shot. It's a 7 pt lead for the Lakers.

The Lakers are starting to dominate again, the Nuggets have no answer for Odom or Gasol. The technical on Anthony Carter could also be huge, as the Lakers inch closer to going back up by double digits.

They are beaten inside on the boards. The Lakers have the ability to pull away even without Kobe. The Nuggets need to be very careful!

Bryant nails both, A 9 PT LAKER LEAD.

Anthony Carter cuts the lead to 7.

Camby with a foul on Vlad.

We are alone in this live blog.

Camby now has 3 fouls! Gasol to the line for 2. Camby had none going into the quarter. Kleiza now checks in.

Gasol made both.

Lakers ball, after Kleiza mishandles the pass from Camby.

GASOL AGAIN!! DOUBLE-DIGIT LAKER LEAD!

Is the crowd actually cheering after that play?? Kobe catches and shoots off a screen and the Lakers are pulling away!!! 73-60 LAKERS ON THE LIVE-BLOG NETWORK.

This Lakers PA announcer is boring me to tears.

Again, the 2nd chance points are KILLING the Nuggets.

What are with home crowds lately cheering when the opposing team's players get hurt.

Pau Gasol is killing the Nuggets right now. Mitch Kupchak is smiling at the moment.

Martin gets fouled. Another missed Denver FT...1 OF 2.

Kobe continues to struggle. One thing Denver could take out out of this game is that they've Handled Bryant well. 4 fouls on Kobe.

1 OF 2 FROM ANTHONY. 9 MISSED FTS. Kobe is still in.

Strong finish from Kleiza!!

WHAT A SHOT BY BRYANT WITH K-MART PESKY D ALL OVER HIM. GREAT D, BETTER SHOT.

BRYANT WITH 12.

Here's something I don't get, why isn't J.R Smith in the game and why hasn't he and Kleiza played more after their strong starts?

Nuggets are simply throwing up jumpshots now. They need to spread the ball around. After 3 chances, K-Mart is fouled by Fisher and he'll shoot 2.

K-MART makes both. Bryant is warming up as he extends the lead back to 12!

Everyone in foul trouble in this game, plenty of whistles, Fisher with 4, Bryant with 4, Anthony with 3.

Iverson has struggled MIGHTILY FROM THE LINE TODAY. 6 missed FTs. 1 of 2.

VLAD RADMANOVIC WITH THE TREY OFF THE BLOCK BY CAMBY!!!! Iverson answers!

Gasol is fouled by K-Mart.

Gasol makes both!

Iverson responds.

KLEIZA moving without the ball for an open slam!!

BALL MOVEMENT, And Gasol is having a game to remember, 30 pts for Pau.

MITCH KUPCHAK IS SMOKING A CIGAR!!! TIMEOUT- GASOL WITH 32 POINTS!!! The impact of the trade is fully coming to fruition. A 14 Point Laker Lead, We'll be back.

It's too early to call this game over, but Denver is demoralized now. Pau Gasol is not impressed with Tim Duncan's performance on Sunday.

Pau with 32pts, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.

Van Gundy looks like he is about to fall asleep.

We're finally getting to see how good Pau really is, He's been under the radar in Memphis. Now he's in the spotlight. Odom with a great layup!!! 13 and 13 for Odom.

Sasha loses it out of bounds!

Kleiza playing well! Scores over Gasol and he'll shoot one more.

BUT he misses the FT!

GASOL AGAIN!!

Game. Radmanovic with the 3!

Gasol has dominated Camby on the Glass! VLAD EXTENDS THE LEAD TO 19!!!

How about Kleiza again!

Farmar...game!!!!! Wow, time to put in the bench.

I've got nothing to add DRE-LO, the Lakers are flat out pummeling them.

Kobe may not even have to come out in the 4th.

Thoughts on this one DRE?

JORDAN FARMAR AT THE BUZZER!!!! 39 POINTS FOR THE LAKERS IN THE 3RD. Pau leading the way with 34 points, and the scary part is, Kobe hasn't had much of an impact on this game. A 19 point Laker Lead heading into the 4th. This game is done! Back in a min.

The Nuggets played powderpuff defense in the 3rd quarter again. One would think this team would be more aggressive knowing that Kobe is not having the best of games. But Pau Gasol has stepped up, dominating the interior. The Nuggets are hoisting up jumpshots. And the second unit for the Lakers are finishing them off. One thing with Phil Jackson throughout his tenure. His 2nd units on the Bulls and of the Lakers championshp years have had 2nd units that could break the game open.

A 19 point lead as we head to the 4th.

J.R Smith scores.

Flagarant 1 on J.R Smith. And he may have gotten the worst of it.

Luke nails 2 and the Lakers have possession.

Walton with a hard foul himself.

Kleiza playing with a lot of heart right now. Lead is 15!

Nuggets seemed to have packed it in, but Kleiza hasn't

Kleiza should start game 2 if I'm George Karl.

Bryant has had a TOUGH TIME TODAY.

Anthony drives to the lane and is fouled. I believe he or J.R Smith should start and I think Kleiza and Smith should have played more minutes in the 3rd. Lead is now 13.

WALTON WITH A WIDE-OPEN DUNK! AND then Iverson responds!

Offensive foul on Pau Gasol. Nuggets not going away quietly.

Iverson with an Offensive foul! Pushed off on Luke.

101-88 Lakers on the Live Blog Network.

Even when the Nuggets have a chance they have a silly offensive foul.

Van Gundy needs to shut up at times.

Let's make a deal, SS. If either of tonight's game Boston or Detroit go up by at 25, We finish live-blogging. Deal? J.R Smith with a bucket and the foul!!!

The lead is now 10 with plenty of time left!

Smith and Kleiza have sparked this team again.

DAGGER FROM BRYANT!

Iverson hits despite the great close-out D by Sasha that time.

Bryant gets to the lane and extends it to 13.

5 fouls on Kobe.

Kobe now has 5!!

Sasha with a DAGGER!! 14 PT LEAD.

Odom is grabbing his knee, this is not good news for the Lakers.

I'm going to eat, be back in a few.

Ok.

Van Gundy reads US Magazine!!!!! LMAO!!!!!!!

Another missed FT.

Odom misses both, Nuggets ball.

Anthony draws a foul on Gasol. 3 on Gasol.

Another missed FT for Denver, It's going to be sad to look at the FT total for Denver at the end of the game. 1 of 2.

Carmelo hits a J to cut it to 13.

Bryant is fouled on a reach-in by J.R Smith.

Iverson to the bucket for an easy layup. And then Kobe Responds- 14 point lead. The Nuggets can't seem to make the necessary stops to come back.

IVERSON PUTS IT IN AND WILL GO TO THE LINE!

J.R Smith has just fouled out!! Undisciplined D as he falls for the pump fake.

I'm back, what did I miss?

Anthony with a great move inside!

BRYANT!!!!! ALLEY OOP!!

ALLEY-OOP FROM PAU TO KOBE!!!

ALLEN IVERSON HAS JUST BEEN THROWN OUT OF THE GAME!!!!

AI gets a 2nd technical and he is gone!

And he is supposed to be the leader!! YIKES!

And George KARL WAS RIGHT THERE!!! WHY DID HE NOT DO SOMETHING!! Kobe nails both.

those techs were bullsh*t

KOBE goes out to a standing O and the game is cut off again.

THAT IS IT!!!!! Lakers 128 Nuggets 114

THIS BALL-GAME IS OVER!! 128-114 LAKERS!!! PAU GASOL IS MY PLAYER OF THE GAME. 36 POINTS, 14 BOARDS AND AN ALL-AROUND GREAR PERFORMANCE. 18 4TH QUARTER POINTS FOR KOBE IS EVEN WORSE NEWS FOR THE NUGGETS GOING INTO GAME 2. Lakers with a 1-0 series lead.

Trizz, join us for the 76ers/Pistons blowout.

Sixers vs. Pistons thread here.

We have a 25 point rule too, Trizz. If the Pistons go up by 25 at any point, that's it for the live-blog!